Letter S c. 16th century

Curator: Here we have an initial, "Letter S," by an anonymous artist, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Oh, how intriguing! It feels both ancient and alive somehow. Like a secret symbol from a forgotten story. Curator: Indeed. These illuminated letters often signal more than just aesthetics; they embody power structures, class distinctions, and the role of literacy in shaping societal hierarchies. Editor: You know, that face emerging from the 'S' reminds me of dreams—the way figures morph and shift, just beyond grasp. Maybe the artist wanted to hint at how language shapes our perceptions. Curator: Precisely. And by remaining anonymous, the artist might be critiquing the very notion of individual authorship and the exclusivity often associated with artistic genius. Editor: I feel inspired to create my own secret alphabet now, one that dances just at the edge of meaning. Curator: Perhaps this letter serves as a reminder to question not just what we read, but also who gets to write the narratives that shape our world.